Dental Bridges in Council Bluffs, IA

At Western Iowa Dental, a dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. The tooth or teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared for dental crowns. These crowns are then placed over the natural teeth on either side, and the bridge is cemented. The bridge is held in place by cementing the dental crowns to the prepped adjacent teeth.

Types Of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. It is anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap and has one or more artificial teeth in the middle. 

The adjacent teeth need to be reshaped to allow the crown to be placed over them. An impression is taken and sent to our lab, where the restoration will be made. When the crown is ready, the patient comes in for a second visit, and the bridge is cemented in place.

Cantilever Bridge

This type of bridge is used when only one natural tooth can serve as support for the bridge. The bridge is attached to only one crown placed on the natural tooth on one side of the gap rather than two crowns on each side.

Maryland Bonded Bridge

A Maryland bonded bridge is not attached with crowns to the neighboring natural teeth but with a metal band that runs behind these two teeth. Unlike the other types of bridges, it does not require the alternation of the natural teeth adjacent to the gap and is therefore commonly used for front teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Implant-supported bridges are used when the natural teeth adjacent to the gap cannot support crowns or are also missing. This type of bridge is supported by crowns placed on dental implants.

The Advantages of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a restorative option if you have one or more missing teeth in a row. They are artificial teeth attached to your surrounding teeth, creating a more realistic appearance than a removable partial denture or dental flippers. They also help to keep the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. 

Dental bridges are custom-made to fit securely in your mouth and prevent speech impediments that may occur with other replacement options for missing teeth. Also, they are more durable than other solutions as they do not need to be replaced every few years like dentures. 

For more information about bridges and to find out if they are the right solution for you, visit Western Iowa Dental at 1509 Ave G, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, or call (712) 325-1544.